The Right to Love - Part 1

[lenageek]

Title: The Right to Love

Spoilers: Takes place after ep 101 (8x09) after Pepa and Silvia have become engaged. This is a sequel to my previous PepSi fanfic, In Love's Defense. My fic follows LHDP up to ep 101 but departs from the show at that point - ep 104 never has and never will exist in this version of Pepa and Silvia’s world.

Rating: PG-13. The usual PepSi playfulness applies! :D

Pairing: Pepa/Silvia (Hot Spanish cops = awesomeness)

Summary: As Pepa and Silvia deal with the aftermath of their encounter with El Gordo, a new case comes forward that challenges their rights as well as their lives.

A/N: The characters of LHDP do not belong to me. Vale, I’ve had a lot of notes for this fic for a long time, so I’m hoping this came out coherently! Other than that, I’m really happy to be working on this at last since it’s been in my head for months. Well, part of it is - the first part of this fic is pretty sketched out, but after that, your guess is as good as mine as to where it’s gonna go! ;p And lastly, in pure denial/defiance of 104/S9, I’ll keep on writing PepSi fanfic - no matter what TPTB throws at PepSi fans.


A pair of strong shoulders heaved as a deep breath was inhaled and released with an impatient, overly dramatic sigh. Pepa counted silently to ten in her head, trying to resist the almost overwhelming urge to squirm away from the two hands that were softly patting her down. One hand held a lint roller, the sticky tape-like substance covered with tiny lint balls and wisps of hair, while the other hand twitched the jacket, making sure it was straight and centered on Pepa’s long torso.

The agent counted another twenty seconds, watching the hands continue to flutter over her. Unable to stand it any longer, Pepa let out another loud sigh that was poorly disguised as a theatrical groan of sheer boredom.

“Silvia! Princesa, that’s enough! You’ve gone over this jacket twice now and it looks spotless!”

A tiny smirk appeared on the redhead’s lips as she continued to critically eye her fiancé’s clothing, her actions undeterred by Pepa’s protest. “Cariño, don’t complain. Today’s a special occasion. I just want you to look your best.” Silvia’s smirk turned into a full smile as she felt Pepa subtly shift her weight from one foot to the other. Even though she could practically feel the restlessness vibrating off the tall brunette, Silvia secretly found it somewhat endearing. She never can stand being still for too long! A grown woman fidgeting like a child!

“Vale, I’m done.” The forensic scientist stepped back, more than a hint of pride in her dark brown eyes as they ran approvingly over her partner, attired formally in her dress blues uniform.

Pepa’s grumpy frown softened as she saw the unadulterated admiration on Silvia’s face. Her partner was similarly dressed in her own uniform, as immaculate and professional as ever. “You know, I haven’t worn this thing since I graduated from the academy. It’s one of the benefits of being an elite agent - I get to wear whatever I want!”

“You mean those incredibly sexy jeans that look like they’ve been painted on that lovely ass of yours?” Silvia teased.

“Humph. Well, I have to have some methods of attracting the gorgeous pelirroja in the precinct!” Pepa winked, a gesture which always set sent a happy shiver through Silvia’s stomach.

“Oh, I almost forgot. One last thing.” The smaller woman set down the lint roller and picked up a shiny item from the coffee table, a tie pin with the crest of the CNP, the Cuerpo Nacional de Policía.

Affixing the item to Pepa’s dark tie, Silvia stepped back, approving once more at the striking figure that was her fiancé. Her black locks were neatly pulled back in a ponytail, her dignified posture straight and tall. The brass buttons and the badge pinned on the right side of her chest sparkled in the light, while the dark blue uniform presented a pleasing contrast to Pepa’s dusky complexion. The jacket also bore the patch of the CNP on the left bicep, with the colors of the Spanish flag, as well as epaulets that displayed Pepa’s rank as a Sub-Inspector - a laurel wreath surrounded by a border stiched in gold.

“There. You look wonderful, Pepa.” A red eyebrow rose with a small smile. “I dare say, even handsome.”

“Handsome?” The agent laughed at the characteristically manly description. “Well, I’ll be your knight in shining armor any time, pelirroja.” She leaned forward for a soft kiss, which was returned in kind.

“Mi caballero.” Silvia murmured as they parted. She placed her hands against Pepa’s chest, stroking it affectionately, feeling the strong heartbeat beneath her fingertips. “I just wish I’d had more time to have alterations made to your uniform since the jacket’s a little loose.” Her voice took on an edge of concern as her fingers traced a more prominent collarbone, moving down to pat a slightly concave stomach. “You lost quite a bit of weight those few weeks in the hospital.”

“Hey, princesa…” The brunette grasped Silvia’s wandering hand, holding it tightly in hers as she brought their joined hands to her chest. She gazed firmly and reassuringly into the dark eyes opposite her. “I don’t want you to keep worrying about me. We’ve been home for three days and you’ve constantly been cooking for me, always on hand and serving my every need. Well, no more of that.” A small smile took any severity out of her words. “You are my partner, my fiancé and the woman’s who’s going to be my wife, not my servant.”

“So, if you promise not to fuss over me quite so much and let me have some independence, I promise to tell you if anything hurts and not to overexert myself with physical therapy.” Pepa grinned, seeing Silvia reflect the same gesture back to her. “Besides, inspectora, you always tell me that healing takes time. And it’ll take compromises on both our parts as well.”

“Vale. I’ll try not to be such a worrywart.” Silvia leaned into a warm, welcome hug. She was careful not to squeeze the body she held too tight, mindful of still healing broken ribs and a gunshot wound to the left arm.

They stayed that way for precious minutes, relishing in each other’s presence until Pepa’s voice broke the silence. “Are you sure I can’t pick up this medal in a tank top and jeans? I’m more comfortable that way, and isn’t healing supposed to be all about comfort?”

The inspector rolled her eyes knowingly as she reluctantly parted from the hug. “Hey, I went through the trouble of getting your uniform pressed and repaired after digging it out of that duffel bag you stuffed in the back the closet.”

“Well I was trying to hide it, so I could get away with not wearing it.”

Silvia’s nimble fingers tweaked Pepa’s nose. “Don’t worry, the ceremony and press won’t be that long. And then you can wear whatever you want. Preferably nothing. With me on top of you!”

Pepa’s eyes sparkled with the innuendos that came from her fiancé’s lips. “Ooh, come on sundown! Hey -” With her right hand, she tugged at the cloth sling that held her left arm securely against her body. “Since you’re mentioning shedding clothes, does that mean I can take this damn thing off now?

“Ah ah!” The redhead shook a warning finger. “Not yet! Another day or two. But look on the bright side Pepa - it’s the same color as your uniform and it matches nicely!”

The agent pushed her lips out in a pronounced pout. “Yeah, I guess.” She bent to pick her hat up from the coffee table, her fingers tracing the gold trim. “I don’t have to wear this, do I?”

Silvia bit back a laugh. “No, protocol just states that you hold it in your right hand while standing at attention.”

“Too bad protocol says that I have to give a speech.” Pepa felt nervous butterflies squirm in her stomach as the words left her lips. She was an officer who liked to do the work of solving a case, kicking ass and taking names, not be in the spotlight. “I mean, this isn’t the Oscars, princesa.”

The brunette felt small fingers tuck a stray hair behind her ear, the small action, as well as the tenderness behind it, helping to settle her stomach. “You’ll do fine. Besides, this is great press for the precinct. A chance where we’re not the laughing stock of the force for once.”

“Yeah, it might make the politics of work go a little smoother.” Pepa snorted. “Until the higher ups at Central fuck it up again.”

The inspector laughed. “Now you’re sounding like Papa.” She leaned down to pick her up own hat, motioning with her head towards the front door. “Vamos, caballero. Let’s go make a hero out of you.”

___

A few cumulus clouds were evident in an otherwise pristine blue sky that presided over a square near the city center. A small stage was set up, complete with a large background banner with the CNP logo, a podium and the Spanish flag.

Silvia could still feel her partner’s nervous tension as she grasped Pepa’s hand. The two slowly picked their way through a sizable crowd to the stage where their VIP seats were set up.

“Geez, I thought this kind of ceremony’s usually done in the precinct briefing room. Not here with all of fucking Spain watching.” The brunette muttered under her breath as she eyed the cameras and reporters from various national television stations.

“Hey, it’s not every day that a major mafia organization gets taken down.” Silvia said in a quiet voice. “You’re getting the credit you deserve, Pepa.”

“I beg to differ, pelirroja. You and Povedilla are getting awarded too. And you deserve every bit of credit. Me, I’d rather go AWOL.”

The redhead chuckled as Paco and Sara came up to them, clad in their uniforms, as were the rest of the officers of the San Antonio precinct.

“Hola, hermano.” Pepa greeted her brother as she accepted the kiss on both cheeks, the fuzz of his beard a pleasant tickle across her cheeks.

“Hola, titas!” The young girl beamed as she excitedly greeted her aunts as she hugged both of them in turn. “I can’t wait to see you up there!

“Humph. Speak for yourself.” Pepa pretended to glower as she shuffled her feet, trying to look anywhere but the cameras that had noticed her and Silvia’s presence and had their unblinking gaze trained on her.

“Still nervous, hermana?” Paco smiled, giving his sibling’s right arm a friendly squeeze. “We all keep telling you, you’ll do fine.”

“Remember Pepa, if you get stuck during your speech, just picture everyone in the audience - wearing nothing but their underwear.”

The comment forced a shaky laugh from the brunette. “Gracias, sobrina. Of course, if I picture Silvia in her underwear, I’ll be the least nervous woman on the planet! More like horny!” Her laughter was genuine this time as she observed the pink tinge spreading across Silvia’s cheeks.

“Vale, let’s get this troublemaker on stage!” Silvia nudged Pepa forward, while blowing a kiss to her family members. “Talk to you afterwards.”

The two found their way to the stage, nodding cordially to Povedilla who took his seat proudly beside them. Pepa noted how the normally modest agent had a wide grin, ecstatic for this rare chance at public acclaim. As he should be. Pepa mused, since it had been dear, bumbling Pove’s actions that had helped save them all during a lethal firefight with El Gordo’s men. Too bad I can’t be as relaxed as he is. The tall woman swallowed thickly, noting her brother, niece, Mariano, Curtis, Montoya, Rita and the rest of their team all taking seats in the front row. Dios, I hope I don’t trip over my own feet or say anything stupid!

The agent’s anxiety was somewhat calmed as she felt another comforting squeeze to her fingers and her fiancé’s warm gaze upon her. She managed a tiny smile as her gaze shifted, watching Don Lorenzo approach the podium, tapping the mike a few times to settle the expectant buzz of the crowd.

“Buenos días, señoras y señores.” The commissioner’s gruff voice rang out over the small plaza. “Today, the San Antonio precinct is pleased to bestow honors on Agents Povedilla, Miranda and Inspectora Castro. These three exceptional officers have had key roles in closing one of the largest and most important cases against organized crime here and abroad in Italia. Therefore, as their commanding officer I am honored to present each of these fine men and women the Order of Police Merit.”

The commissioner turned to his officers as the three stood as one, their shoulders back, their posture smartly at attention, as the loud applause burst forward from the crowd. The Spanish national anthem piped over the speakers as Don Lorenzo picked up a medal from a tray, pinning it on each officer’s uniform on the left side. It was a beautifully adorned piece; a green and white striped ribbon, flanked by red and yellow edges and a shining gold medallion surrounded at four points by a red cross. The older man shook Povedilla’s hand firmly, watching him smile in kind.

“Gracias, Agent Povedilla.” Though his voice was still rough-hewn, it was a rare moment of respect between an officer and his superior. Normally, he was yelling at the top of his lungs at the agent, but Don Lorenzo secretly acknowledged the fact that Pove was truly worthy of this award.

Grasping his daughter’s hand, the paternal joy flared in Don Lorenzo’s eyes, even as his face remained neutral. “Well done, Inspectora Castro.”

Coming to Pepa, the commissioner was slightly taken aback at the look in the agent’s expression. Although her stance was as tall and proud as ever, he read an almost entreating look behind those dark brown eyes. He bit his lip, holding back a smile. Dios! I think Pepa still wonders if I will ever wholly accept her, personally and professionally. Time to put her at ease. He offered his hand, feeling the strong hold in return - the same hands that worked to be an exemplary if not impulsive agent, and above all, care for, protect and cherish his beloved daughter.

“A fine job, Agent Miranda.” He said, watching the brunette nod efficiently. He leaned in a fraction, saying words that were only meant for her. “Gracias, mi querida hija.” Don Lorenzo’s private smile became public as Pepa’s eyes widened with surprise and then gratitude.

“Gracias, comisario.” Pepa blinked rapidly, determined not to let the tears that were forming at the corners of her eyes show. She exhaled slowly, remembering to smile as camera bulbs flashed brightly, several photographers jockeying for the perfect shot in front of the stage.

The agent received a tiny, questioning glance from Silvia. Pepa knew she couldn’t fool her fiancé - she could always read the subtlest changes in her mood or movements - how the brunette would toy with a strand of her hair when contemplative or the narrowing of her eyes when she was angry.

“Later.” Pepa mouthed silently, watching as her partner nodded in accord.

The three officers sat, as the flashbulbs and mummers from the crowd ceased. Don Lorenzo took to the podium again as he introduced the three honorees for their words of acceptance. Agent Jose Luis Povedilla was commended for saving his fellow officers, even though it had been through the unconventional means of crashing the surveillance van into the warehouse where the shootout had taken place. Povedilla’s speech mainly consisted of stuttered apologies for destroying CNP property, but came off as endearing and sincere. He brought a smile to Pepa’s face, even though her heart was pounding with nerves again. Chief Forensics Inspector Silvia Castro was highly praised for her work in the lab to track down the criminal organization as well as her quick action in the field to attend to wounded agents. Silvia made brief comments about the professionalism of her fellow officers and thanked them for their camaraderie and support, most of all to “mi Pepa.” The agent swore she almost felt the buttons pop off her uniform as she swelled with exultation, clapping louder than anyone else, her healing arm be damned.

Silvia nodded in acknowledgement to the audience and took her seat. “Dios, you were clapping so hard, I thought you were going to fall out of your chair.” She teased her partner in a sotto voice.

“Well, no one’s allowed to sing your praises louder than me, cariño.” Pepa’s brilliant smile flashed briefly, and then abruptly disappeared as Don Lorenzo’s voice was heard again.

“Lastly, we have Agent Maria Jose Miranda Ramos. She is not only commended for her actions in the field in bringing to justice a criminal organization, but is held in the highest regard for sacrificing her own well being and risking her own life for her fellow officers.”

Vale. Pepa told herself as her commanding officer gestured to her. She felt Silvia’s fingers comfortingly brush the material covering her forearm as she stood and walked towards the podium. Head up, shoulders back. Just find a focal point in the audience and stare at it. Don’t get flustered, stay calm…

The thoughts in Pepa’s head were drowned out by a thundering din that simultaneously swept over and embraced her. She realized she was facing a standing ovation, from the San Antonio precinct, several other precincts, civilians and the special forces units that had helped raid the warehouse - everyone, it seemed. Mierda! Helpless, she glanced over at Silvia, who smiled even wider and gave her a wink.

“Por favor -” The agent implored, stepping to the microphone. “Por favor, sit down. I don’t deserve any special acclaim, especially when it seems I don’t know how to get out of the way of a few bullets. Those things hurt!” She waited for a few titters of laughter to settle down as her face became serious.

“Even though I was wounded in the line of fire, I want to say that I was only doing my job. And I’d do it again, for any of you. Because you are more than my fellow officers and agents, you are mi familia.” Pepa smiled directly at Paco, who had his large, well-worn handkerchief out and was blotting at his eyes.

“Muchas gracias a Don Lorenzo, mi hermano Paco, y mi Silvia.”

Her legs suddenly becoming wobbly with relief and an excess of emotion, Pepa stepped back and waved tentatively to the loudly applauding crowd.

“Gracias a dios that that’s over!” Pepa whispered to the redhead as she gratefully sank into her chair, idly listening as León Vargas, Don Lorenzo’s superior, started his speech. She smiled tenderly as Silvia’s left pinky finger stretched out to caress her right hand, the gesture reminding her of a night of stargazing. She glanced up, seeing tears of joy reflecting in her fiancé’s deep brown eyes.

“Te quiero, Pepa.”

The brunette pressed a kiss to Silvia’s temple, not caring that the world was witnessing their intimate moment. “Siempre, mi amor.”

___

Pepa finished an additional interview while artfully managing to skirt out a request for yet another one, citing fatigue from her injuries. Truth be told, her throat was parched from constantly speaking for the last hour and she was eager to find Silvia and get away from the reporters and flashbulbs. Finally, she spotted the distinctive red head bobbing amongst the crowd and made a beeline for the familiar figure.

“Joder!” she whispered as she came up behind her partner, taking her in a side embrace. “If I have to shake one more hand, I think my right arm will be in sling.”

“Are you getting worn out?” Silvia’s hand cupped Pepa’s cheek, her eyes quickly sweeping over the long frame.

The agent chuckled as she turned to kiss the warm palm. “No, I’m not playing sick princesa. I’m just getting tired of all the fuss.”

“Well, we’ll skip the receiving line at the wedding.” The inspector smiled.

“Sí, but I’ll like the people at the wedding! I won’t mind talking with them!”

“Dios, I hope not! Does that mean I’m still invited?” An affable male voice said behind them.

“Hola, Señor Zúñiga! I’m so glad you were able to make it.” Silvia turned and gave the elderly man a hug. Pepa looked on, happy to see the man who had become their friend. Zúñiga was a widowed flower shop owner who had been a chance witness to Pepa’s abduction by El Gordo and had ultimately been instrumental in finding her in time.

“Hola, Inspectora. Agent Miranda.” Carlos gave a second hug to the taller woman in greeting. “You were both wonderful up there today. My heartfelt congratulations. And of course -” He bowed slightly, presenting Silvia a large bouquet of mixed flowers. “The requisite gift to you both.”

“Qué bonita.” Silvia’s eyes sparkled as she fingered the petals of a fresh, fragrant rose. “These all have meanings, correct?”

“Sí.” The vendor expertly pointed out each representative flower in the bouquet. “The bird of paradise stands for joy. The nasturtium flower is for patriotism. The edelweiss represents daring and noble courage.”

“Like my caballero here.” Silvia said adoringly, watching Pepa blush.

“Forgive me, Señor Zúñiga.” Pepa muttered. “My fiancé loves to see me squirm by heaping tons of unwarranted praise on me.”

Carlos laughed and shook a strong finger knowingly. “Well, you know you have to take praise from your wife when you can. Because it’s either that or the receiving end of a sharp tongue!”

“Ah! Point taken.” Pepa nodded smartly. She gestured to the flowers. “I thought the red roses meant love.”

“Sí, that’s correct. But they also can mean respect, courage or a job well done. And the red and yellow rose there is for congratulations.”

“Oh, that gives me some ideas for the flower arrangements!”

“Princesa, how about I let you two talk this out since I can see you’re going into wedding planner mode.” Pepa gestured over to where Don Lorenzo and Paco were talking a short distance away. “I’ll wait for you over there.”

The brunette shook her head bemusedly as Silvia led Carlos away, her gestures animated as she discussed the wedding bouquets and the customary flower arch for the nuptials.

“Are we almost ready to go?” She asked, walking over to her brother and the commissioner.

“Dios, Pepa, you act as if you’re on fire!” Paco chortled. “There’s nothing wrong with taking a moment to celebrate your accomplishments.”

“Well, I guess…” The agent’s voice faded, her expression hardening as she spotted a recognizable figure heading towards her, his air as arrogant and superior as ever. “What the hell is that asshole doing here?”

“Comisario Castro. Inspector Miranda.” Internal Affairs agent Trujillo said tersely before his gaze flicked to Pepa. “Agent Miranda.” His voice dripped of insincerity and sarcasm at the mention of her name.

“Trujillo.” Pepa replied just as bitingly, facing the man who once ruthlessly interrogated and suspended Silvia. He was dressed formally in an expensive dark suit and tie, but was really one of those men who was not as good looking as he thought he was. His dark brown hair was badly receding, while his shorter stature gave him a distinct disadvantage to an aggravated Pepa standing at her full height.

“It’s too bad Central couldn’t keep all the shit out of today’s ceremony.” Pepa growled as her right hand unconsciously curled into a fist.

“Oh, joder!” Paco mumbled under his breath, sensing an impending confrontation. He only hoped it wouldn’t come to blows on his sister’s part.

Trujillo’s lips twisted into an ugly sneer as he regarded the woman he didn’t see as fit for the uniform. “You little puta! I’ll have you know -”

“Ah, Agent Miranda! There you are! My heartiest congratulations!” León Vargas, a career cop turned politician with a portly belly that spoke of the years behind his desk, came up to Pepa. He took her hand, pumping it with incredible enthusiasm. He was trailed by a brace of photographers and video cameras that were eagerly taking photos and recording every word. The superior noted the IA agent’s presence and gleefully pointed him out to the waiting press.

“Ah! And this is Agent Trujillo with Internal Affairs. Can you believe he once investigated - investigated! - this exemplarity precinct of San Antonio? Dios, he even brought up completely false charges of conspiracy with a criminal organization! And then Miranda and Castro end up practically taking down the mafioso singlehandedly!”

Pepa’s brow raised, her expression now predatory as she saw Trujillo blanch, trying to explain himself. “No, no, Comisario Principal Vargas, you don’t -”

“This is a perfect photo opportunity!” Vargas railroaded on, cheerfully ignoring the IA agent. “Ven aquí, Trujillo! We need a shot of you shaking Agent Miranda’s hand. A formal apology for your agency’s actions, if you will.”

The brunette stepped forward, trying her best not to laugh as she took Trujillo’s clammy hand in her own, watching him grimace at her touch. Multiple flashbulbs went off as Pepa smiled, her grin one of wolfish satisfaction. Trujillo was unable to even muster up a curling of the lips, looking like he’d swallowed a frog. As the last flash went off, Pepa moved to promptly step away but found herself pulled forward as the IA agent leaned towards her.

“They should have given the medals to the real cops today.” Trujillo hissed in her ear on the side away from the cameras. “Not to a bunch of San Antonio fuck ups and your disgusting little hija de puta novia.”

Pepa felt a hot menacing warmth spread from her gut to her head so fast, she felt lightheaded with rage. However, her expression remained unchanged, a polite voraciousness. “And you, you shit for brains asshole…” She snarled, squeezing Trujillo’s hand with such force that she heard the bones crack and grind together. “If you ever harass, intimidate or say anything about my fiancé like that again - if you even look at her wrong, I’ll cut your cojones off and stuff them down your throat, and that will be the fun part of what I do to you! Lo comprendes?”

With one last squeeze, Pepa shoved her adversary back as he stumbled slightly, a rivulet of sweat pouring down his brow. She listened to Vargas prattle on to the press, none the wiser.

“Hola, Agent Trujillo.” Silvia sidled up to the pair, coolly greeting the IA officer. She received a grimace in reply as she watched him slink away under Pepa’s withering glare. “Vale, cariño, what did you do to him?”

The brunette smiled fully at her partner and winked, watching Silvia shake her head mockingly in reproach. “I was being good. Nothing I’ll regret later.”

“Inspectora Castro!” Vargas crowed, coming up and giving Silvia the same overly eager greeting for the cameras. “So nice to congratulate you in person! And Agent Miranda, if I may inquire, how are doing? Healing well?”

“Ah, sí, sí. Thank you for asking, Comisario Principal.” Pepa nodded, feeling her fiancé slip her hand into the crook of her arm. Her fingers tugged at her sling, adjusting it slightly. “Except I’ll be even better when this comes off!”

“Ah, I understand completely. I’ve been shot twice in the line of duty, and doing all that fucking desk duty nearly drove me insane until I got back out into the field!” Vargas’ eyes widened, noting Pepa’s ring that sparkled on her left hand. “Dios! I didn’t even see that until now! You’re engaged? Who’s the lucky hombre?”

Pepa and Silvia exchanged identical, incredulous glances. Dios, this man is thicker than mud! Did he not hear me thank ‘mi Silvia’? Is he the only one not to hear the gossip out of our precinct? “Um…comisario, it’s not exactly -”

“If you must know comisario, I was the one who proposed.” Silvia chimed in.

“Sí!” Beaming, Pepa proudly slung her good arm around her fiancé’s shoulder. “She gets major points for the most creative and beautiful way of proposing! She did it with a lineup of brides - she made me think we were doing a robbery lineup!”

Silence fell for a few seconds as Vargas’ eyes slowly blinked once, then twice. His heavy frame shook with boisterous laughter that grew louder as he threw back his head, guffawing in amazement. “Dios, that’s wonderful! Congratulations again! Why, you two are a super couple! You should have capes!”

“Capes?” Pepa mouthed silently to a now giggling redhead.

“Sí! Miranda and Castro!” Vargas grasped Pepa’s hand again, giving it another hearty shake as the cameras clicked away madly. “The super couple of San Antonio!” The chief’s accolades were paused as his attention was drawn away by an aide that whispered in his ear.

“Vale, Agent Miranda, Inspectora Castro - until we meet again!” Vargas saluted his officers, which they returned. He left to talk to another cluster of people, expertly working the crowd and the press along the way.

Pepa sighed in relief as she was finally left alone with Silvia, companionably leaning her head against her partner’s shoulder.

“Dios, what a whirlwind! Now can we go princesa?”

Silvia laughed and gently nudged Pepa’s hip. “I think the comisario agrees with my whole knight in shining armor theory. Maybe we should invite him to the wedding.”

Pepa straightened up immediately, looking into her fiancé’s smirking expression. “Oh no, Silvia, no way! I want friends at our wedding, not higher ups or politicians!”

“Ha! I’m just seeing if you’re paying attention!” Silvia lightly tapped Pepa on a shapely rear end, making her jump slightly.

“Hola mi novias!” Rita called across the courtyard, waving cheerily from where she, Montoya and Curtis were heading towards the parking lot. “Are you coming? We’ve still got a lot of celebrating to do back at the precinct!”

“Vamos, pelirroja!” Pepa bestowed a quick kiss on Silvia’s lips, while loosening her tie. Glad to be free of the restricting knot, she slung her good arm around her fiancé’s waist, drawing her in close. “Let’s get out of here! I hear a cold cerveza calling my name!’